After our rough morning (see post below) I decided we needed to get out of the house. We went to Barnes & Noble to play with the trains. On the way in we stopped by the in-store Starbucks for a bagel and a smoothie.
The woman behind the counter greeted us by commenting on how big the children are getting. Then she said, "Do you know how lucky you are to get to stay at home with them?"
I smiled. I had literally published my exasperated post 20 minutes prior. Truthfully, part of me also wondered if she imagined that I just watched TV and ate bon bons all day--or if she realized the work involved in 'not working.'
She then told me of her own three children--aged 12, 7 & 4. She had been able to stay at home with the first two, but due to her divorce had to start working when the youngest was 2.
"I know your days are long. I remember what it felt like at 8pm--when I just needed everyone to go to sleep so I could breathe. It is hard. But I miss it. I wish I had realized at the time what a blessing it was."
Isn't it amazing what a difference a little perspective makes?
Being camp director 14 hours a day, while trying to love the socks off of three developing people AND teach them about faith, manners, character and life skills is quite a task. Add being their personal safety manager, chef, laundress, personal shopper, nurse, etc. to the picture PLUS being a responsible citizen, managing the affairs of our home, caring for my husband--and myself. Is it any wonder the days can get a bit hairy?
But it is a tremendous blessing to get to do this. May I never, ever take it for granted.
18 comments:
A very good perpective indeed.
Amen! We've had a string of days like that. Where would the majestic mountains be if we didn't have any valleys?
What a fun "God story". You know HE put THAT lady at the counter when you walked in, right? It could've been any other coffee waitress lady, but He gave you THAT lady & used her testimony to bless you! Isn't it fun to see how He does that for us?! He is so faithful!
Amen... what a great dose of perspective!!
I have commented before and I read your blog every night. I too have been lucky to experience every single bit of my children's daily life. I am so lucky and I think you put it down on paper really well. Thank you,
I find myself being reminded one way or another of this several times a week - either from without (from those around me) or from within.
May we ALL remember it!
It's hard. But isn't it what we signed up for?
I was able to quit my job as a nurse to stay home with the boy & I was never able to do it with my older ones.
It is indeed a blessing to be able to stay home & answer to no one about your comings & goings. Can we go here, or do I have to work, the baby is sick will I get fired this time for taking off?
To me it's trading one kind of stress for another. It's far better than dealing with ALL stress' at once for sure.
Perspective is a beautiful & needed thing.
Even though the days can be hard and tiresome, it is indeed worth it!
Thanks for sharing ... how cool when God puts those people in our paths to remind us of what He's given us. I'm a soon-to-be engaged 27-year-old who looks forward to one day having children and being able to stay home with them. You are truly blessed! :)
I would trade my boring desk for throw up and dirty diapers any day! Keep counting those blessings!
One of my daily prayers is that God would keep this perspective before me all day. Yes, it can be exhausting and draining, and some days are just plain ugly. But when it all comes down, there is no job that could equal this one.
Thank you! That is exactly what I'm feeling--tired and overwhelmed, but thankful that I get to be at home helping my little ones grow. Just had my second child last Sunday; big brother is 20 months. So I enjoy reading what I have to look forward to when they're four. Each age and stage is special. . .
How right you are. I work full time and without a doubt, the months I was at home on maternity leave were the hardest of my life (she was a bit of a terror). But I do miss it so much. Honestly, there are days I breathe a sigh of relief when I drop her off in the morning but so many more days I hate to leave her. Such is the life of a mom, right?
Whenever parenting became overwhelming and I felt lost in the "fog" of it all, God always seemed to send me a book or someone the clear the fog away so I could see to make it to the next day. Sounds like He did that for you.
Days may seem long now, but all too soon you will look back and wonder how the time could have passed so swiftly.
You play a very important role in your children's lives. It is a blessing (in today's society) that you are able to be a SAHM and know what values are being poured into your precious little ones' hearts and minds.
Blessings
Hi JMom,
My sister has 4 children, and when people ask her if she works or not, she replies 'Well, I'm not in paid employment'!
I hear ya - 24/7 and unfortunately you don't get the much needed praise and accolades that the professional/corporate world offers being a stay at home mom, wife, etc..but it is much more beneficial and rewarding that it looks. Some moments are a more glim picture of that, and others are the icing on the cake and the entire reason we do this, you know what I am saying.
I just wish we had that same perspective that the older women have that make the same comments to me. I work with some older women that have grown children and they feed off of my funny, hair-clinching stories of my 3 boys. They always tell me to treasure, soak it up, make the most of it, what they would give to go back, etc...I sometimes have that perspective, but honestly don't have it enough. I find myself wishing this time by, "oh it will be easier when, better then, quieter, calmer, etc...I am thankful and consider myself very blessed. Thank you my friend for the wonderful reminders!
This morning you are my "barrista". God put your blog in front of me to remind me of all the blessings He's given me. 8pm last night I just wanted some peace and quiet. To relax and do "me" things. I felt bad afterwards. I realized I should be enjoying the last few minutes I have with my children before tucking them into bed. I shouldn't be rushing them to their room. I've been praying about that ever since last night.
So, thank you for being my barrista today. God is amazing in how He works and that is so awesome.
I will checking back regularly!
Back again...
I just wanted you to know I linked to your blog in a post. I truly appreciate the words you wrote. Thank you again for sharing.
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